Tofu is a very popular ingredient, not only because of its high nutritional value and delicate taste, but also because it can cook a variety of delicious dishes.
However, in the process of shopping for tofu, you may notice an interesting phenomenon: many people prefer to choose the middle part of the whole tofu. What is the reason for this?
Below, let's take a look at the difference between the center and the edge of tofu, and why people prefer the middle part.
【Characteristics of tofu structure】
Traditionally, tofu is made by coagulation of soy milk and then pressing it into shape. In this process, due to gravity, the water is gradually expelled from the top to the bottom, which leads to differences in the texture of the tofu in different locations.
Usually, a piece of freshly made tofu is firmer and moister on the inside, while it is drier closer to the surface.
[The difference between the middle and the side]
Texture: As mentioned earlier, the tofu in the middle has a tighter structure and moderate moisture content because it is in a more uniform pressure distribution position, which makes it both tender and elastic to eat; In contrast, the edges may appear slightly stiffer or too loose due to more squeezing.
Taste: Although the taste of the same piece of tofu will not be much different overall, some subtle variations are still present.
For example, in some special cases (e.g. improper storage), the edges are more likely to come into contact with air, which speeds up the oxidation process and affects the flavor.
Aesthetics: For those who are looking for the appearance of the dish, it is obviously better to choose an intact, regular-shaped middle part that meets their needs.
This is especially important when making dishes such as cold tofu and tofu soup that directly show the form of the ingredients themselves.
Why do people like to buy middle?
1. Better taste experience: Most consumers believe that tofu in the central area has the best taste – neither too dry nor too wet, and just the right amount of soft and smooth bean products.
2. Higher utilization: Considering the common cutting methods in home kitchens, using the center part often results in a larger proportion of the edible area. Conversely, if you select a thinner section around the perimeter, you may need to remove more unusable edges.
3. Psychological factors: In addition to practical functional considerations, people's pursuit of "best" and "best" also promotes the love of the middle part of tofu to a certain extent. After all, it is always more pleasant to pick the most satisfying product from a limited range of options.
How to buy and preserve tofu correctly?
Observe the color: The color of high-quality tofu is white and even, and there are no yellow spots or black spots.
Smell: Fresh tofu should have a light bean aroma and should not have a sour smell or other odors.
Check the packaging: If it's a pre-packaged product, check the manufacturing date and expiration date information and make sure the seal is intact and not broken.
Proper storage: After purchasing, it should be stored in the refrigerator as soon as possible, and try to consume it in a short time to ensure freshness.
Although each piece of tofu is made from the same material, there are indeed subtle differences in quality due to differences in their internal structural characteristics.
So, if conditions allow, it is undoubtedly a wise move to choose those intermediate parts with good texture and good taste.
Of course, this does not mean that the fringes are completely worthless, and they can also perform well with the right cooking methods. The key is to make the most appropriate choice for the specific application and individual.